Sergeant William H Blincoe 2/8th Warwicks DCM

[oxlade134]

I have the DCM citation for William Blincoe and it is posted below its dated 26 Sept.1916 as is the medal card also attached.

First question I have is this the date of the award or the action.

If its the latter then I am puzzled by the fact that the 2/8th Bn part of 182nd Brigade, 61st (2nd South Midland) Division only fought in Attack on Fromelles in July 1916 and then were defending trench lines only until disbanded.

If the award is for the action on 26 September 1916 any idea what the 61st Division were at this time.

William himself was discharged 27 Mar 1917 SWB listing illness

Thanks

[alf mcm]

The date shown indicates when the award was mentioned in the London Gazette.

Regards,

Alf McM

[spof]

Hi Oxlade

Although not involved in any major action at the time, they were still in the Laventie/Fauquissart area and did regulars raids etc. on the enemy. This DCM was for a raid on the night of 18th August 1916 in an area called Moated Grange.

From the war diary:

18.8.16

10pm-11.30pm

A small raiding party, after blowing in enemy's wire via a Bangalore torpedo, raided his crater west of the Duck's Bill. Found it unoccupied but destroyed his work in a quantity of timbers, planks and stores. The torpdeo has destroyed nearly all his wire on one side of the crater.

The party returned with no casualties.

And the area is just to the south of Fauquissart. (You can see the moat next to the number 29)

Glen

[Steven Broomfield]

There's a battalion history, Black Square Memories, which might elucidate. I have a copy at home so if no-one else gets there first I'll have a look, but it won't be before tomorrow evening, I fear.

[Alan Tucker]

Totally agree with Glen. Black Square does not help. August 18 is the best fit rather than raids on June 26 and August 24.

Definitely not 19.7.16 as 2/8th had miminal involvement - half in Bde reserve; rest Divl reserve.

[spof]

The DCM Registers held in Kew in WO 391 has a note against his citation with the date and location.

[oxlade134]

Big Thanks SPOF

The find at Kew is conclusive, I wasnt expecting such clarity on date and location a really good find at Kew.

This forum is awesome ! As my grandkids would say.

[oxlade134]

Can I prevail on your great knowledge one more time please to pinpoint another DCM.

Sergeant William H Blincoe 2/8th Warwicks DCM had a distant cousin Sergeant Charles William Blinco DCM 8131 2nd and 12th Suffolk Regiment died of wounds in 1918 but before this he was Gazetted on 19 Nov 1917 and a full citation appeared in Gazetter 6 Feb 1918

8131 Sjt C Blinco

For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in a raid on the enemy's trenches. When all his officers were wounded and the company disorganised by hostile barrage he took command, reorganised his men, and led them successfully to the objective. Later he made several journeys, bringing back the wounded under heavy fire. He showed the greatest initiative and courage throughout.

29 Sep 1917

Raid at Gonnelieu seems the most likely as I believe Charles sustained wounds of a fatal nature in this engagement and was taken eventually to a Hospital in the Wimereux - Boulogne where on 19 Apr 1918 he died of his wounds. He is buried at Wimereux Communal Cemetery , Departement du Pas-de-Calais, Nord-Pas-de-Calais, France

Plot: XI. C. 5.

Has anybody any information that could help confirm or fill in details, please

Thanks

Roger

[spof]

Roger

A pretty good estimation. It was at Gonnelieu but for an action on the 25th September. Unfortunately, I don't have the war diary for 12th Suffolks but a new post requesting that inofmation may help.

Glen

[oxlade134]

Glen

Thanks will do

Roger

[Barry607]

12th Suffolks War Diary 25th September 1915: GONNELIEU- In front line Artillery very active all day. At 7.30 pm we raided the enemy trenches in R28d. bringing back 1 light machine gun and 5 prisoners. AMC Appendix A & B ( which is a description of the raid).

Barry